As Ronny Deila was announced as his successor Neil Lennon was enjoying his first proper holiday in years.
Previous close seasons have been dominated by thoughts of European draws and transfer market wheeling and dealing.
While enjoying the Algarve sunshine and the absence of football business Lennon is hoping that his break won’t be an extended one with the lure of management impossible to resist.
“I don’t want to be out of the game too long,” he told the Irish Independent. “Beggars can’t be choosers, it’s not about looking or waiting for a particular club.
“I had seven years as a player at Celtic and six as a coach and manager, and it’s been a huge part of my life, but I’d given it plenty of time to think about it (leaving) and now I’m looking forward to the new challenges.
“I might have to be patient in the meantime, just watch some games, take my time, and see how other clubs work. I’ve done that before, I went to see Lille in France, I went to see Brendan Rodgers at work, so I might do more of that.”
Despite three overwhelming title successes Lennon’s biggest achievements at Celtic didn’t come with a trophy of recognition.
Reaching the group stage of the Champions League- by beating Helsingborgs and Shakhter Karagandy- is the new benchmark for Celtic managers with Lennon admitting that that task would dominate his summer thoughts.
“If Celtic don’t go into the Champions League group stages, it’s a long season,”he added. “That’s just the way things have worked out with the co-efficient, they have to play these hugely important games at an early stage of the season. I’ve had to negotiate that myself and it’s very, very difficult.
“For the players, it’s very tiring, mentally and physically. And the danger then is that it catches up with them in the early part of the season.”
